What is voir dire or questioning of the jury panel?

It is a way for the parties to select a fair and impartial jury. Under the justice system, you may be questioned by each of the parties before they decide to remove a certain number of jurors from the jury panel. The city attorney represents the state, and the defendant is represented by an attorney or represents him or herself. 

For example, a party may ask you questions to see if you are connected to the trial or if you have any prejudice or bias toward anyone in the trial. These questions are not intended to embarrass you, but rather to help the parties in the jury selection process. You may ask the Judge to allow you to answer some questions away from the other jurors.

Show All Answers

1. Why is jury service important?
2. What is my duty as a juror?
3. How was I selected?
4. Am I eligible?
5. Who can be excused from jury service?
6. What kind of case will I hear?
7. Must my employer pay me while I am on jury duty?
8. Who can have a jury trial?
9. Are there rules about jury conduct?
10. How is a juror selected for a particular case?
11. What is voir dire or questioning of the jury panel?
12. What if I have a special need or emergency?
13. What are the order of events of a trial?